Barcelona youngster bids farewell to club ahead of Como move: ‘Never easy to say goodbye’

Barcelona youngster bids farewell to club ahead of Como move: ‘Never easy to say goodbye’ Andres Cuenca’s time at Barcelona has come to an end after seven years at La Masia . The 19-year-old centre-back is set to continue his career in Italy, where he will join Cesc Fabregas’ Como once the transfer is made official. Although Cuenca renewed his Barcelona contract until 2027 in the winter , the club has decided that this is the right moment for him to take the next step in his development following the second half of last season on loan at Sporting Gijon. From La Masia to Professional Football A member of Barcelona’s highly regarded 2007 generation alongside players such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, Cuenca joined the club as an Under-13 player after beginning his development at Sevilla. The Andalusian defender built a reputation for his composure in possession, intelligent distribution and ability to play out from the back, qualities that earned him regular appearances for Barça Atletic. Andres Cuenca is headed to Como. (Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images for DFB) He made 26 appearances for the reserve side and also fulfilled a childhood dream by making his first-team debut in the UEFA Champions League against Young Boys in October 2024. Successful loan spell Cuenca’s loan move to Sporting Gijon initially proved frustrating after a muscular injury delayed his adaptation. However, once fully fit, he established himself as an important member of the team and finished the campaign as a regular starter, beginning each of Sporting’s final seven league matches. Those performances convinced Como to move for the young defender as Fabregas continues to strengthen his squad with emerging talent. Emotional farewell Before his departure, Cuenca shared an emotional goodbye message with Barcelona supporters through social media. “It’s never easy to say goodbye to the place where you’ve grown up. I arrived here as a child and today I’m leaving with a bag full of memories, lessons learnt and people who have left a lasting mark on my life,” he wrote. “These have been incredible years defending this badge, sharing a dressing room with teammates who have become friends, and learning from coaches and people who have helped me grow both on and off the pitch.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by andres (@andres_cuenca4) “There have also been difficult moments, but even during those times I have felt fortunate to be part of this club. Everything I have experienced has made me a better footballer and, above all, a better person.” Expressing gratitude to everyone who crossed paths with him at the club, he added: “I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, club staff, and everyone who has been with me throughout this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible.” He also reflected on what Barcelona will always mean to him. “I leave proud of everything we have experienced together and excited to take on a new challenge, knowing that a part of me will always remain here.” “Thank you for everything. Visca el Barça .” After seven years wearing the Blaugrana shirt, Cuenca now begins a new chapter in Serie A, hoping to continue his development under one of Barcelona’s former midfield greats.